In a two-part special as part of the BBC's long-running arts strand Imagine, Alan Yentob explores the world of stand-up comedy.

Speaking in depth to a range of stand-up's most successful names, from Jack Dee to Simon Amstell, Jim Davidson and some top American stars, he explores their backgrounds and influences, and their passion for making people laugh.

Yentob also jonis Eddie Izzard backstage as he prepares to perform the first solo stand-up show at the Hollywood Bowl, and explores how stand-up comedy evolves, and its transferral to other mediums.